Beautiful, straight teeth will never go out of style but the ways to achieve it have evolved. Braces are still a great option for teeth straightening but don’t be so quick to get your teen braces without exploring the benefits of Invisalign clear aligners.
Invisalign is one of the most popular brands of clear aligners. Clear aligners are clear, plastic orthodontic devices that are used to straighten teeth. The accomplish the same task as braces without some of the hassles of braces such as getting food stuck in the brackets and needing to have them regularly tightened. Both braces and clear aligners have their pros and cons so let’s explore them together.
1. Easier Maintenance
The fact that you can easily remove Invisalign makes maintaining your teeth a lot easier. It’s easier to brush and floss without having to maneuver between brackets. If you’ve had braces yourself then you know what we’re talking about.
2. More Aesthetically Pleasing
Not going to lie, choosing a color for your braces each month is kind of fun. However, many teens would prefer not to have a mouth full of braces and would much prefer the clear aligners that most people won’t even be able to spot. This is the selling point for many teens and adults who dread getting braces but want to even out their pearly whites. You can even take them off for a few minutes on picture day!
3. Less Chance for Accidents
Nothing kills your plans more than a broken wire or cracked bracket on your braces. That calls for pretty immediate attention from your orthodontist. You won’t have emergencies like that with Invisalign.
4. Feels Like a Retainer
Invisalign feels more like a retainer than braces. In fact, when your Invisalign treatment is complete, you’ll get a retainer that looks and feels exactly like the clear aligners you’ve been wearing, so the transition to wearing your retainer will be an easy one.
5. No Food Restrictions
For some people, this is the biggest selling point. Unlike with braces, you don’t need to stay away from sticky foods and drinks because you can simply remove your aligners to eat. That being said, it is still very important to rinse your mouth and brush your teeth after every meal before reinserting your Invisalign.
Now let’s explore the downsides to Invisalign.
1. Effectiveness
In simple cases, both braces and Invisalign will get the job done. However, in more extreme cases, braces may prove more effective than clear aligners. Despite advances in Invisalign treatment plans, some tooth and bite problems may be difficult to fix with clear aligners. Your orthodontist can help you determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment.
2. Requires Discipline
If you don’t trust your child to leave the aligners in, then you may be wasting your money. Aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours at a time for them to work effectively. You can take them out to eat, drink and clean them, but they must be put back in immediately after for prime results. If you don’t want to constantly hassle your teen to put them back on, then braces might be more your speed.
3. Easier to Lose
Would your child lose their arm if it wasn’t connected to their body? Yep, we know the type. Braces are stuck on your teeth, but Invisalign requires some responsibility. They can be lost when taken off, and it is not cheap to replace them. So, if you see this happening, braces may avoid frustration later on.
4. Insurance
Braces of any kind cost a pretty penny, and depending on your plan, insurance might not cover the cost of Invisalign. Make sure to do your research before committing to clear aligners.
5. No More Frequent Snacking
Since you have to take out your Invisalign every time you eat and then immediately brush, floss and reinstall, it may be a pain to eat snacks throughout the day. This may also be seen as a pro for some people who are trying to cut back on their daily treats.
There are pros and cons to getting Invisalign. Making the best choice for your teen depends on your specific circumstances. We understand that image is important in high school, and when compared to braces, Invisalign offers the look, feel, and freedom that many teens want. So, will you be crossing the ‘Invisalign’ or are traditional braces more your style?
